Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BEng (Hons) Materials Engineering

Academic Year: 2015/16

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Materials
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

Final award BEng/ BEng+DIS/ BEng+DIntS
Programme title Materials Engineering
Programme code MPUB01
Length of programme The duration of the programme is six semesters, or eight semesters if students undertake industrial training leading to the award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies, or study at a University abroad leading to the award of the Diploma in International Studies. These occur between Part B and Part C.
UCAS code J500, J501
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/departments/materialsengineering/materialsengineering/

Date at which the programme specification was published Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:14:04 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To provide an accredited honours degree programme in the field of materials engineering which satisfies the needs of industry for graduates of outstanding ability who have a very strong academic background with especially outstanding business and transferable skills.
  • To encourage students to manage their own learning, communicate effectively and make use of primary source materials.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
  • QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials
  • Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Guidelines for Accreditation

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programmes, graduates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Relevant principles of materials science and mathematical methods as applied to materials engineering;
  • A number of specialist materials topics connected with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites;
  • The role of information technology and library resources in providing support for materials engineers;
  • Engineering principles relevant to materials selection;
  • The materials aspects of design;
  • The professional and engineering responsibilities of materials engineers;
  • Processing of materials;
  • Procedures for the characterisation and testing of materials.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

  • Select and identify an appropriate material and manufacturing route for the design of a component;
  • Utilise materials engineering principles to develop new materials/processing routes for improved performance of engineering systems;
  • Solve materials engineering problems;
  • Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of materials problems;
  • Analyse materials aspects of components;
  • Select materials from an environmentally appreciative viewpoint;
  • Interpret numerical data and apply mathematical methods to the analysis of materials engineering problems.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

  • Use appropriate mechanical testing, corrosion testing, optical, X-ray, electron metallographic, and surface and chemical analysis methods for the study of materials;
  • Manipulate systems for the processing of polymers, ceramics and metals
  • Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises;
  • Evaluate and present practical data in a suitable format;
  • Explain experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
  • Compile clear and well-structured technical reports;
  • Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
  • Demonstrate project management skills.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

  • Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
  • Organise and manage time and resources effectively; for short-term and longer-term commitments;
  • Communicate effectively through written, graphical, inter-personal, and presentation media;
  • Apply constructive and structured approaches to problem solving;
  • Demonstrate a reasonable level of numeracy; appropriate to the cognitive skills required;
  • Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
  • Demonstrate project management skills.
  • Compile clear and well-structured technical reports.

4. Programme structure

4.1         Part A – Introductory Modules

 

4.1.1     Compulsory  modules (total module weight 120)

For students entering Part A from 2014 

Code

Semester

Title

Modular Weight

MPA201

1

Structure and Properties of Materials

10

MPA202

1 and 2

Experimentation and Practical Skills

20

MPA203

1 and 2

CAD and Engineering Drawing

10

MPA204

1 and 2

Engineering Analysis

10

MPA205

1

Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria

10

MPA206

2

Introduction to Metal Processing

10

MPA207

2

Mechanics for Materials 1

10

MPA210

1

Introduction to Product Design

10

MAA101

1

Mathematics for Materials 1

10

MAA201

2

Mathematics for Materials 2

10

BSA525

1

 Introduction to Accounting

10

 

For students entering Part A before 2014

 Code

 Semester

 Title

 Modular Weight

MPA101

 1 and 2

 Skills for Materials

20

MPA102

 1 and 2

 Experimentation

20

MPA103

 1 and 2

 Introduction to Materials

20

MPA104

 1 and 2

 Introduction to Design and Project Management

10

MPA105

2

 Thermo dynamics and Phase Equlibria

10

MPA108

2

 Mechanics for Materials

10

MAA101

1

Mathematics for Materials 1

10

MAA201

2

Mathematics for Materials 2

10

BSA526

2

Accounting for Managers

10

  

 4.2          Part B – Degree Modules

 

4.2.1    Compulsory modules (total module weight 120) 

For students entering Part A from 2014

Code

Semester

Title

Modular Weight

MPB201

1

Structures and Properties of Polymers

10

MPB203

2

Polymers: Processing

10

MPB204

2

Ceramics: Processing and Properties

10

MPB205

1 and 2

Experimental Skills

10

MPB206

1

Engineering Alloys

10

MPB208

1

Fracture Mechanics of Materials

10

MPB209

2

Advanced Materials Characterisation

10

MPB210

1

Group Design Project

10

MAB101

1

Maths for Materials 3

10

MAB206

2

Statistics

10

BSB560

1

Principles of Marketing

10

CGB018

2

Plant Engineering

10

 

For students entering Part A before 2014 

 Code

Semester

Title

 Modular

Weight

 MPB102

 1 and 2

Processing and Structure of Polymers and Composites

 20

 MPB103

 1 and 2

Materials Characterisation and Mechanics

 20

 MPB104

 2

Advanced Materials Characterisation

 10

 MPB105

 2

Electrochemical Technology

10

 MPB109

1

Product Design

10

 MPB204

Ceramics: Processing and Properties

10

 MPB206

 1

Engineering Alloys

10 

 MAB101

1

Mathematics for Materials 3

10

 MAB206

2

Statistics

10

 BSB560

1

Principles of Marketing

10

  

4.3      Part I –   Diploma in Industrial Studies and Diploma in International Studies Modules

 

Code

Semester

Title

Modular Weight

MPI001

1 and 2

Industrial Training Placement (DIS, non-credit bearing)

120

MPI002

1 and 2

Overseas University Placement (DIntS, non-credit bearing

120

 

4.3.1    Eight Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students will undertake an approved placement or study abroad leading to the Diploma of Industrial Studies, if following Module MPI001, or leading to the Diploma in International Studies, if following Module MPI002.  Participation in a placement or study abroad is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B.

 

4.4      Part C – Degree Modules                   

4.4.1    Compulsory core modules (total module weight 100)

For students entering Part A from 2014  

Code

 Semester

 Title

 Modular

Weight

MPC101

1

Sustainability, Recycling and Environmental Is sues

10

MPC103

2

Industrial Case Studies

10

MPC106

1

Electrochemical Technology

10 

MPC108

2

Surface Engineering

10

MPC110

1 and 2

Project

30

MPC111

1

Advanced Principles of Materials

10

MPC114

1

Design and Manufacture of Composite Materials

10

BSC144

 2

Project Management

10 

 

 For students entering Part A before 2014

 Code

 Semester

 Title

 Modular

Weight

MPC101

 1

Sustainability, Recycling and Environmental Issues

10

MPC102

 1

Fracture and Failure

10

MPC103

2

Industrial Case Studies

10

MPC104

2

Tomorrow’s Materials

10

MPC108

2

Surface Engineering

10

MPC110

1 and 2

Project

30

MPC111

1

Advanced Principles of Materials

10

MPC114

1

Design and Manufacture of Composite Materials

10

   

4.4.2      Additional optional modules. Chosen options to be approved by the Programme Director. Choose 20 credits from:  

Code

Semester

Title

Modular Weight

BSB580

1

Operations Management

10

BSC144*

2

Project Management

10

EUL---

1 or 2

Language* with the approval of the Programme Director

10

MMC910

1

Laser Processing of Materials

10

MPC123

1

Automotive Crash Protection

10

 * Only for students commencing their studies before 2014.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

- Students commencing their studies in 2012 must gain credit (≥40%) in the modules MPA103 Introduction to Materials and MAA309 Mathematics for Materials to progress from Part A to Part B.

- Students commencing their studies in 2013 must gain (≥40%) in the modules MPA103 Introduction to Materials, MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2 to progress from Part A to B.

- Students commencing their studies from 2014 onwards must gain credit (≥40%) in the modules MPA201 Structure and Properties of Materials, MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2 to progress from Part A to Part B.

5.2 Re-assessment

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates, who have the right of reassessment in all parts of the programme, to undergo reassessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (except where SAP-exempt modules are involved).

Where a candidate has achieved fewer than 60 credits in a part of the programme, reassessment in the relevant part is not available to that candidate in the Special Assessment Period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C, in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 30: Part C 70 to determine the final percentage for the award of BEng.

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